Gaza City is facing an escalating environmental disaster as mountains of waste pile up in residential areas, with municipal services crippled by Israel’s relentless bombardment and blockade. More than 170,000 tonnes of waste have accumulated across the city, turning streets and public spaces into makeshift dumps, exacerbating health risks for an already devastated population.

The destruction of Gaza’s infrastructure, including municipal facilities, has severely hindered waste collection efforts. The blockade has cut off fuel and spare parts essential for operating garbage trucks and heavy machinery, leaving sanitation workers unable to clear the streets. The situation has deteriorated further as thousands of displaced residents return to their homes, adding to the mounting crisis.

Israel’s attacks have targeted essential municipal equipment, destroying over 130 waste management vehicles. The main landfill in Juhor ad-Dik remains inaccessible due to Israeli restrictions, forcing authorities to use temporary sites that are now overflowing. The growing heaps of waste have become a breeding ground for disease, with water shortages further worsening the risk of epidemics.

Municipal officials warn that without immediate international intervention, Gaza faces an environmental catastrophe. They call on humanitarian organisations to demand the urgent entry of fuel, equipment, and basic necessities to prevent a full-scale health disaster in the besieged enclave.